Prathap With His Family

Signs of a future diplomat

Anything I do is for a good cause and nothing more - follow your heart and you will forever be attained

Those words are what inspire Canada Sri Lanka’s Youth of the Month, Prathap Perera. This young man has always worked hard for his achievements. He attended Maris Stella College in Negombo, Sri Lanka until he was 9 before moving to Canada. The challenges faced by many newcomers to Canada did not faze Prathap. With his continued determination and focus he successfully moved through the Canadian education system, and was duly accepted to university.

During his time as an undergraduate, he became the founding President of the Sri Lankan Student Alliance ( 2003-2005). He also assisted in the establishment of consequent chapters of Sri Lankan Student Alliances in neighbouring universities, which include Ryerson and UOIT. While at York University, Prathap used his position as President to reach out and help those in need. He was able to set up school supply drives to service students in Sri Lanka who were in need of assistance. Prathap not only has a big heart but is also a big lover of sports. He organized the first ever hardball cricket game among the Sri Lankan Student Associations of the various universities in Toronto.

Prathap Perera’s resume does not end there. He is also an active community advocate and is a member of numerous community organizations that assist Sri Lankan youth. In fact Prathap is a pioneer of sorts, as he is the creator of  “Ridma”, the premier Sri Lankan youth segment aired through Kala Kavaya on Toronto’s multicultural channel, OMNI 2 on Sundays.

But it is not all work and no play for this young gentleman. When he is not studying or advocating for others in his community, you can find Prathap playing one of his many loved sports, deejaying at a variety of functions (under the stage name DJ Platinum Philly) or extending his knowledge base reading, listening to conscious music or watching documentaries.

After successfully achieving his undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Law, Prathap is currently working full time pursuing a Graduate degree in International Relations.